Martin Johansen – Mayoral Candidate
If you were given a million dollars, what would you use it for in Oliver?
I would use the money to invest in projects that would benefit the community as a whole. Project deliverables should serve to maintain/improve existing service levels or reduce operational cost for the town. Examples include capital renewal, repair or upgrades to the water and/or sewer utility infrastructure and equipment, investing in CCTV cameras to improve safety in the community, and energy management projects, such as LED streetlighting retrofits to reduce operational cost.
Do you favour a national park reserve? Why or why not?
No, I do not support the establishment of a national park reserve. I believe national parks should be reserved for pristine wilderness areas. In my opinion the local area being considered does not meet this criteria. Also, I’m not supportive of any initiative that has the potential to limit outdoor recreational activity that local residents have enjoyed for years.
What is your solution to crime prevention in Oliver?
The root of the crime problem is addiction and mental health. Getting people into treatment is the best option available to help break the cycle, otherwise the problem is never ending. Enforcement can be a positive way to connect people with the support services they need. The first thing I would like to see is the establishment of a coordinated enforcement committee, made up of stakeholders in the community. Through the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, sharing information and strategies will emerge creating opportunities for action. Through this process the committee will be able to make recommendations on how best to use the limited resources available to target this challenging problem in an effective, efficient way. Resource options will include a combination of private security, bylaw enforcement, citizen patrols, CCTV cameras, RCMP, etc.
Do you support the legalization of marijuana? Why or why not?
I’m neutral on the legalization of recreational cannabis with no strong feelings one way or the other. What’s important is recreational cannabis will be legal in a few weeks and that the Town needs to have a good understanding of the budget impacts in areas such as policing, land use, business licensing, bylaw enforcement, etc. There are a lot of unknowns as we turn down this path, however, the highest priority needs to be placed on cost recovery and getting our share of taxation revenue as the reality of cannabis legalization unfolds.
What is the best asset you can offer the town as mayor?
The work experience and leadership skills I have acquired through a 20-year career in a municipal environment. I have developed the best asset needed to be an effective mayor. This is the ability to ask the tough questions, challenge the status quo and get all the information necessary to support a decision that is in the best interest of the community.
